Cheesy baked ziti recipe

One of my all time favorite foods is pasta. There is something so comforting about taking a bite of warm, cheesy noodles covered in a flavorful sauce.

Today I’ll be sharing my favorite cheesy baked ziti recipe that is made at least once a month in my home, if not more. This recipe has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember. I loved helping my mom cook dinner as a little girl, especially when it was something I was excited to eat. I still remember pulling up a stool and having the job of stirring the noodles. This was recipe was requested often by me and my siblings. I love the memories I have sitting together as a family on the same kitchen table growing up. This recipe has brought my loved ones together through generations and I hope it will soon become a staple in your home too!

I’m excited to be partnering with McCormick for this post in their American Homemade campaign. Their spices always add the best flavors to my favorite dishes.

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350° and grease a 9x13 pan. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add in onion and garlic then saute for 3-5 minutes, or until onions are tender. Add in hamburger and cook until brown.
While hamburger is browning boil pasta according to package directions, then drain.
Once hamburger is brown, add tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, salt, oregano, pepper and basil leaves. Stir and allow to simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
Stir in sour cream and noodles. Then pour half the mixture into the pan. Top with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and then pour the rest of the pasta mixture on top. Place the remaining cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.
Top with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Note: This makes a great freezer meal too! Just freeze the dish straight out of the pan, then allow time to thaw and add 10-15 minutes onto the baking time.

This is also a great meal to take to someone who just had a baby or is sick. I buy these pans from the Dollar Store and fill the pasta inside. You can see I used rigatoni pasta and a mix of cheeses below. We use all kinds of noodles and cheese for this pasta dish… just whatever we have on hand. It always turns out super yummy! The sour cream and cheese takes it over the top! Mmm… now I am craving pasta!

Jamielyn Nye

Creative director and founder of I Heart Naptime. Jamielyn aspires to reach women, get their creative juices flowing, and to genuinely inspire. When she’s not creating, Jamielyn loves to chase her three little monkeys and snuggle up on the couch with her man.

We love this recipe! I’ve made it twice already and it’s definitely going to be a family favorite this winter. I love that we can enjoy one 9×9 pan and freeze another for a later time (or to give to someone with a new baby). Thanks for sharing!